Implant analogs and methods

ABSTRACT

Various implant analogs and dental modeling techniques are disclosed herein. The implant analogs are versatile and can be used in traditional modeling techniques or in rapid-prototyping techniques for producing dental models.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No.______, filed ______, (Our Ref No.: 4394.M13PRV) entitled,“COMBINATION IMPRESSION COPING AND SCAN BODY”, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to various dental implant analogs andmethods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

In dentistry, an implant analog can be used in developing a prosthetictooth for a patient (e.g., a crown). The implant analog, for example,can be used to develop a digital or real model of a tooth prosthesis forthe patient. Frequently, if traditional dental modeling techniques areused to assist in developing the prosthesis (e.g., a gypsum or stonemodel), a certain implant analog might be used, whereas if more modernmodeling techniques are used during the process (e.g., 3D printing), adifferent implant analog is typically required.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide improvedimplant analogs, modeling techniques, and methods for use in creatingtooth prostheses.

SUMMARY

To better illustrate the system disclosed herein, a non-limiting list ofexamples is provided here:

Example 1 includes a dental implant analog comprising a body having aninternal bore with a tapered section and a threaded section, thethreaded section being positioned apically of the tapered section, and ashaft having a first projection extending outwards from the shaft, thefirst projection being configured for press-fitting inside a bore of adental model, or interfacing with flowable dental modeling material thatencases the first projection.

Example 2 includes a method of producing a plurality of dental modelscomprising receiving (i) a digital scan of a first patient's mouth witha first dental implant installed in a jaw of the first patient, and (ii)a dental impression of a second patient's mouth with a second dentalimplant installed in a jaw of the second patient. The method furthercomprises selecting first and second implant analogs from a plurality ofimplant analogs, each of the plurality of implant analogs having a bodyand a shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first projection extendingoutwards from the shaft. The method also comprises, with respect to thedigital scan: (i) fabricating a first dental model based off the digitalscan using an additive manufacturing process, and (ii) inserting thefirst implant analog into the first dental model. The method furthercomprises, with respect to the dental impression: (i) attaching thesecond implant analog to the dental impression, and (ii) pouring adental modeling material into the dental impression and around the shaftof the second implant analog, including its first projection, to createa second dental model with the second implant analog embedded therein.

Example 3 includes a dental modeling system comprising a plurality ofimplant analogs, each of the plurality of implant analogs having a bodyand a shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first projection extendingoutwards from the shaft, a first dental model with a first of theplurality of implant analogs embedded therein, the first dental modelbeing formed using an additive manufacturing process, and a seconddental model with a second of the plurality of implant analogs embeddedtherein, the second dental model being composed of a flowable, curabledental modeling material, wherein the flowable, curable dental modelingmaterial surrounds the shaft of the second implant analog.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to thefollowing description of examples taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an implant analog, according to an example ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the implant analog of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an apical-end-view of the implant analog of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4A is a coronal-end-view of an insert used in a dental model,according to an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the insert of FIG. 4A taken alongline 4B-4B, as shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the insert of FIG. 4A taken alongline 4C-4C, as shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the insert of FIGS. 4A-C with theimplant analog of FIGS. 1-3 disposed therein.

FIGS. 5B-5C are alternate cross-sectional views of the insert andimplant analog of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a dental model produced using a rapid-prototyping (e.g.,additive manufacturing) technique with the insert and implant analog ofFIGS. 5A-C disposed therein, according to an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a traditional dental model with the implant analog of FIGS.1-3 disposed therein, according to an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the implant analog of FIGS. 1-3 withan impression coping attached to the analog.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate examples of the disclosure, and such exemplifications are notto be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the examples of the disclosure illustrated and to bedescribed with respect to the drawings, specific terminology will beused for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended tobe limited to any specific terms used herein, and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents.

The present disclosure is directed to implant analogs, modelingtechniques, and methods of producing dental prostheses using differentmanufacturing techniques. The implant analogs can be used in traditionaldental modeling techniques (e.g., gypsum or stone models), or inrapid-prototype modeling techniques (e.g., additive manufacturing, 3Dprinting, etc.) As such, due to the unique characteristics of theimplant analogs of the disclosure, such analogs can be used withmultiple different modeling techniques to create a dental prosthesis.

Referring to FIG. 1, implant analog 10 can have a shaft 12 and a body18. Shaft 12 can have one or more (e.g., a plurality) of projections 13,14. At least one of projections 13, 14 (e.g., projection 13) can betapered 16 so as to be able to press-fit within an insert, as describedin detail below. As shown in FIG. 3, each projection 13, 14 can haverounded sides 34 and flat sides 36. In addition, a coronal projection 13can have a larger maximum dimension as measured from a first roundedside 34 to a second rounded side 34 relative to an apical projection 14,or vice versa. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, coronalprojection 13 can have a larger maximum dimension at taper 16 ascompared to apical projection 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, shaft 12 can be connected to body 18 and a step20 can be formed at the connection. In addition, body 18 itself can havea step 21. Further, body 18 can have a groove 22 formed about part orall of a circumference of body 18. A cavity 23 can be formed in body 18,as shown in FIG. 2. Cavity 23 can have a coronal tapered section 24, apolygonal-shaped or otherwise non-circular section 26, and a threadedsection 28. Tapered section 24 can be tapered from a coronal end 25 ofimplant analog 10 towards an apical end 30 of cavity 23. In an example,tapered section 24 can be tapered by anywhere between about 14-45°. Inan example, such a degree taper can configure tapered section 24 toconnect with another component (e.g., an impression coping as in FIG. 8or another restorative component) in a press-fit relationship. A step 32can be formed at an apical end of tapered section 24, which can leadinto polygonal-shaped section 26. In an example, polygonal-shapedsection 26 can be square, hexagonal, or any other polygonal ornon-circular shape so as to interact with a like-shaped portion of atool and/or a restorative component (e.g., an abutment, an impressioncoping, or any other restorative component) in a non-rotationalarrangement. For example, a polygon-shaped portion of a tool and/or arestorative component (e.g., an abutment, an impression coping, or anyother restorative component) can mate with polygon-shaped section 26 ofimplant analog 10, such that the tool and/or restorative component issubstantially rotationally locked relative to implant analog 10. Movingapically from polygon-shaped section 26, a taper 27 can be formed, whichcan lead into threaded section 28. Apical end 30 of cavity 23 can benon-threaded, as shown.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate an insert 50 that can be used with implant analog10, as shown in FIGS. 5A-C, for placement in a dental model 80 (FIG. 6).Insert 50 can be formed using any additive manufacturing technique, suchas 3D printing, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting,Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), and/or anyother additive manufacturing technique. Thus, as detailed below, insert50 is suitable for use in a dental model 80 that is produced usingadditive manufacturing.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A-C, insert 50 can have a body 52 with asmaller diameter coronal section 51, and a relatively larger-diameterapical section 53. A step 54, which can be tapered, can be formedbetween sections 51, 53. Insert 50 can have an internal bore 56, whichcan have a larger-diameter section 58, an intermediate-diameter section68 with a diameter that can be smaller than the larger-diameter section58, and a smaller-diameter section 70 with a diameter that can besmaller than the larger-diameter and intermediate-diameter sections 58,68. In an example, larger-diameter section 58 of internal bore 56 canhave a protrusion 60. Protrusion 60 can form a helix alonglarger-diameter section 58, and can be configured to form a press-fitwith implant analog 10 once disposed within insert 50, as describedbelow,

As shown in FIGS. 4B-C, a first step 62 can be formed along bore 56 ofinsert 50 between larger-diameter section 58 and intermediate-diametersection 68, a second step (e.g., a rounded step) 64 can be formedbetween intermediate-diameter section 68 and smaller-diameter section70, and a third step 66 can be formed along bore 56 of insert 50 withinsmaller-diameter section 70.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate implant analog 10 disposed inside bore 56 ofinsert 50. As shown, implant analog 10 can be inserted inside bore 56 ofinsert 50, such that its shaft 12 resides in smaller-diameter section 70of bore 56, and coronal projection 13 contacts the wall defining bore 56within smaller-diameter section 70. In an example, coronal projection 13can contact bore 56 within smaller-diameter section 70 to establish apress-fit in that area. For instance, tapered part 16 of coronalprojection 13 of shaft 12 can engage with the wall of bore 56 insmaller-diameter section 70 and establish a press-fit orinterference-fit. In an example, a maximum dimension of coronalprojection 13 taken at tapered part 16 can be slightly greater than amaximum dimension of bore 56 of insert 50 taken at smaller-diametersection 70, thereby establishing a press-fit or interference-fit in thatarea. In another example, apical projection 14 can have a smallermaximum dimension than the maximum dimension of coronal projection 13and, thus, not contact or establish a press-fit with the wall of bore 56of insert 50 at smaller-diameter section 70. For instance, rounded sides34 of apical projection 14 can be spaced apart from the wall of bore 56at smaller-diameter section 70, as shown in FIG. 5B.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a section of body 18 of implant analog 10 apicalof step 21 can be positioned in intermediate-diameter section 68 of bore56 of insert 50, and the remainder of body 18 of implant analog 10 canbe positioned in larger-diameter section 58. In addition, step 21 ofbody 18 of implant analog 10 can rest on first step 62 inside bore 56 ofinsert 50, which can prevent implant analog 10 from moving furtherapically within bore 56 of insert 50. Referring to FIG. 5B, body 18 ofimplant analog 10 can also establish a press-fit or interference-fitwithin larger-diameter section 58 of bore 56 of insert 50. In anexample, the press-fit or interference-fit can be established by aninteraction between protrusion 60 and body 18 of implant analog 10. Forinstance, since protrusion 60 can wrap helically around bore 56 ofinsert 50 within larger-diameter section 58, it can establish across-sectional area or dimension that is slightly smaller than across-sectional dimension of body 18 of implant analog 10. Thus, as body18 of implant analog 10 is inserted into larger-diameter section 58 ofbore 56 of insert 50, due to its slightly-larger cross-sectionaldimension, body 18 can engage with protrusion 60 and establish apress-fit or interference-fit. With implant analog 10 disposed insideinsert 50, as shown in FIGS. 5A-C, other dental restorative components(e.g., impression copings, scan bodies, abutments, or other components)can be attached to implant analog 10, as detailed more fully below, toassist in producing a dental prosthesis for a patient.

FIG. 6 illustrates a dental model 80 that can be manufactured using anyadditive manufacturing technique disclosed herein, such as 3D printing,selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, Rapid Prototyping(RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), and/or any other technique.Dental model 80 can include modeled teeth 82, an insert site 84, and acavity 86 for receiving an insert. Dental model 80 can be used todevelop a dental prosthesis (e.g., a custom dental prosthesis) for apatient.

FIG. 7 illustrates a dental model 90 that can be manufactured using moretraditional techniques, such as by forming a gypsum or stone model froma dental impression. For example, as detailed more fully below, a dentalimpression can be taken of a patient's mouth, and then a gypsum or stonemodel can be fabricated from the dental impression, similar to dentalmodel 90. As shown in FIG. 7, dental model 90 can have model teeth 92and an insert site 94 with implant analog 10 implanted at insert site94. Dental model 90 can be used to develop a dental prosthesis (e.g., acustom dental prosthesis) for a patient.

FIG. 8 illustrates an impression coping 100 attached to implant analog10. Of course, other dental components (e.g., scan bodies, abutments,etc.) can be attached to implant analog 10 in a similar manner.Impression coping 100 can be any of the impression copings disclosed ina co-pending application by the Applicant, having Attorney Docket No.4394.M13PRV and titled “Impression Coping and Scan Bodies” (filedconcurrently herewith), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein (“the M13 Application”). As shown, impression coping100 can have an internal bore 116 that accepts a screw or other fixationmember 102 for attaching coping 100 to implant analog 10. Screw 102 canbe threaded into threaded section 28 of implant analog 10, and can havea head 110 that can engage with an internal ledge 112 to draw coping 100towards implant analog 10. Screw 102 can also have a polygon-shaped ornon-circular opening 114 for engaging with part of a tool to drive screw102 into implant analog 10. Impression coping 100 can have a taperedsection 106 that can engage with tapered section 24 of implant analog10. In an example, the engagement between tapered sections 106, 24 canestablish a press-fit or interference-fit between coping 100 and implantanalog 10. Further, impression coping 100 can have a ledge 104 that cancontact coronal end 25 of implant analog 10 to prevent coping 100 fromtraveling further apically within cavity 23 of implant analog 10. Asdescribed in the M13 Application, impression coping 100 can also act asa scan body.

Of course, as noted above it is contemplated that a number of otherdental components can be attached to implant analog 10 similar toimpression coping 100. For instance, such components can include anabutment that can have an internal bore (e.g., for use with screw 102),and/or a tapered external surface that can establish a press-fit orinterference-fit with tapered section 24 of implant analog 10. Theabutment can also have a ledge similar to ledge 104 of impression coping100. In an example, the abutment can be any abutment disclosed in U.S.Patent Pub. No. 2014/0272791 (“the '791 Publication”), the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, or anyother suitable dental abutment.

Likewise, a separate scan body can be provided that can attach toimplant analog 10 similar to impression coping 100. For instance, thescan body can have an internal bore (e.g., for use with screw 102),and/or a tapered external surface that can establish a press-fit orinterference-fit with tapered section 16 of implant analog 10. The scanbody can also have a ledge similar to ledge 104 of impression coping100. Other dental components are also contemplated for attachment withimplant analog 10.

Several exemplary methods of using implant analog 10 along with otherdental components are now described. As disclosed, implant analog 10 canbe used in additive manufacturing/rapid-prototyping procedures forproducing a dental prosthesis, or in more traditional techniques forproducing a dental prosthesis.

In a first exemplary method, implant analog 10 can be used in anadditive manufacturing/rapid-prototyping process to develop a customdental prosthesis for a patient. For instance, first an appropriatedental implant can be installed in a patient's jawbone. In an example,the dental implant can be any dental implant disclosed in the '791Publication, or any other suitable dental implant. In an example, ahealing abutment can be attached after the implant is implanted. Forinstance, any of the encoded healing abutments disclosed in U.S. PatentPub. No. 2015/0173862 (“the '862 Publication”), the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein, can be attached to theimplant. As disclosed, the healing abutments of the '862 Publication canbe scanned by a scanner for purposes of preparing a custom prosthesis.

After implantation of the dental implant and/or some healing, apatient's mouth can then be scanned using a 3D scanner to capture dataabout the patient's teeth, soft tissue, and/or other dental structuresand the dental implant. For example, the dental implant with or withoutan encoded healing abutment as described in the '862 Publication, orwith or without a different scan body attached, can be scanned using a3D scanner to capture data about the location and/or angular position ofthe dental implant in the patient's jaw. :Indeed, in an example, anotherscanning body besides the encoded healing abutment disclosed in the '862Publication can be attached to the dental implant and scanned along withthe patient's other dental structures to capture data about the locationand/or angular position of the dental implant in the patient's jaw (andany surrounding dental structures, such as teeth, soft tissue, etc.)

The data from the above-mentioned scan can then be transferred to acomputer modeling program (e.g., a CAD program) to develop a digitalmodel of the patient's mouth, for instance the patient's teeth, softtissue, jaw structures, and/or the dental implant installed in thepatient's jaw. An example of such a digital modeling process isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,185,224, 8,612,037, and 8,855,800, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties. The digital model can then be transferred to anadditive manufacturing/rapid prototyping machine to produce a real-worldmodel corresponding to the digital model disclosed above. In an example,a 3D printer, a CNC machine, or any other additive manufacturing orrapid-prototyping machine can be used to create the real-world modelfrom the digital model. An exemplary dental model 80 is shown in FIG. 6.

Dental model 80 can be of only a section of a patient's dentalstructures, although alternatively all of the patient's dentalstructures can be produced in model. As such, dental model 80 caninclude models of the patient's teeth 82 created from theabove-disclosed digital model, models of the patient's soft tissue 81,and/or models of portions or all of the patient's jaw 83. Dental model80 can also include an insert site 84 at a location where the dentalimplant was installed in the patient. Insert site 84 can include acavity 86 designed to receive insert 50 of FIGS. 4A-C, or alternativelycavity 86 of insert site 84 can be designed in the additivemanufacturing process to become insert 50. In other words, through theadditive manufacturing process, cavity 86 of insert site 84 can bedesigned with an internal bore that has the same shape as internal bore56 of insert 50.

Subsequently, depending upon the type and/or size of the implantinserted into the patient, an appropriate implant analog from a systemor kit of implant analogs 10 can be selected for insertion into cavity86 of insert site 84 of dental model 80. The particular implant analog10 having the appropriate size can then be press-fit into the internalbore of cavity 86 (e.g., if it is designed as insert 50), or intointernal bore 56 of insert 50 if insert 50 is a separate component thatis inserted into cavity 86. Either way, implant analog 10 can bepress-fit within an internal bore that has the same shape as internalbore 56 of insert 50. In an example, as shown in FIG. 5B, tapered part16 of apical projection 14 can engage with smaller-diameter section 70of internal bore 56 to establish a press-fit or interference-fit at thatlocation, and projection 60 can engage with body 18 of implant analog 10to establish a press-fit or interference-fit between body 18 and insert50. Of course, as noted previously, other connection mechanisms can beused between implant analog 10 and insert 50.

With implant analog 10 inside of insert site 84 of dental model 80,other components can be attached to implant analog 10 to develop acustom prosthesis for the patient. For example, a scan body can beattached to implant analog 10, which can be scanned using a 3D scanneror other scanner. Based on information gained from the scan, a digitalmodel of a custom prosthesis (e.g., a custom abutment, a custom crown,or other custom prosthetic component) can be created. For example, thedevelopment of a custom prosthesis using 3D scanning techniques isdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,185,224, 8,612,037, and 8,855,800, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties. Thus, implant analog 10 can be used in an additivemanufacturing/rapid-prototyping technique to develop a custom prosthesisfor a patient. The additive manufacturing/rapid-prototyping techniquecan allow quick production of a dental model and corresponding customprosthetic.

Another exemplary method involves using implant analog 10 in moretraditional dental modeling techniques. For example, implant analog 10can be used in creating a gypsum or stone model, similar to dental model90 shown in FIG. 7. The exemplary method can encompass first implantinga dental implant in the jaw of a patient, as detailed above with respectto the first exemplary method. The dental implant can be any suitabledental implant, including any of the dental implants disclosed in the'791 Publication. Then, an impression coping can be attached to thedental implant for taking a dental impression of the patient's mouth,including the patient's teeth, soft-tissue, and/or jaw structures. Asuitable impression coping, which can also act as a scan body, isdisclosed in the M13 Application, incorporated by reference above. Withthe impression coping attached to the implant, a dental impression canbe made of the patient's mouth including the implant/impression copingsite. As discussed in the M13 Application, the dental impression can bean open-tray or closed-tray impression.

Subsequently, a suitable implant analog from a system or kit of implantanalogs 10 can be selected and attached to a component engaged with thedental impression, for example the above-discussed impression coping.For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, an impression coping 100 can beattached to implant analog 10 using a screw 102 that is screwed intothreaded part 28 of cavity 23 of implant analog 10. Impression coping100 can be an impression coping from the M13 Application. Thus,impression coping 100 can have an apical end 108 and a tapered section106 that can engage with tapered section 24 of cavity 23 of implantanalog 10. Such engagement can establish a press-fit or interference fitbetween coping 100 and implant analog 10. In addition, impression coping100 can have a ledge 104 that can seat on coronal end 25 of implantanalog 10 to prevent impression coping 100 from moving further apicallyrelative to implant analog 10. The remainder of the features ofimpression coping 100 including its use in taking a dental impression,as well as acting as a scan body, are disclosed in detail in the M13Application.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, it is contemplated for purposes of thepresent disclosure that impression coping 100 can be embedded in adental impression with implant analog 10 extending out of the dentalimpression so that a suitable dental model can be created. As anexample, a suitable dental modeling material (e.g., gypsum or stone) canbe poured into the above-disclosed dental impression to create apositive dental model of the patient's teeth, soft tissue, and/or jawstructures. The dental modeling material can be poured into the negativeimpression created by way of the dental impression to generate apositive dental model, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. The dentalmodeling material can be allowed to harden to produce a traditionaldental model 90, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Dental model 90 can be agypsum or stone model, or any dental model made using traditional dentalmodeling material. During creation of model 90, the dental modelingmaterial can flow around shaft 12 and body 18 of implant analog 10,including coronal and apical projections 13, 14 and groove 22, and cansolidify. As such, when dental model 90 is removed from the dentalimpression disclosed above, impression coping 100 can be detached fromimplant analog 10 and implant analog 10 can remain with dental model 90,as shown in FIG. 7. Coronal and apical projections 13, 14 and groove 22can assist with securing implant analog 10 to dental model 90 as thehardening process occurs, since as discussed the dental modelingmaterial can flow into and/or around these sites and harden to create asecure connection.

In an example, although not shown in FIG. 8, impression coping 100 canalso remain attached to implant analog 10 when the dental impression isremoved from dental model 90. For instance, as described in the M13Application, if a closed-tray dental impression is used, when the dentalimpression is removed from dental model 90, impression coping 100 andimplant analog 10 can remain with dental model 90. In this instance,impression coping 100 can remain to be used as a scan body, as disclosedbelow.

Next, a custom prosthesis can be developed using dental model 90. Forinstance, a suitable scan body can be attached to implant analog 10,which can be impression coping 100 disclosed above, or anotherappropriate scan body. Dental model 90 and the scan body can then bescanned using a 3D scanner or another scanning device to digitize dentalmodel 90 at the site of implant analog 10 and begin to digitally producethe custom prosthesis. A suitable process for creating a customprosthesis by scanning a scan body and then digitally modeling thecustom prosthesis is described in detail in the '224, '037, and/or '800Patents, incorporated by reference above. The custom prosthesis (e.g.,abutment, crown, etc.) can then later be attached to the patient'sactual implant so that the tooth replacement can be finished.

It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that variousother changes in the details, material, and arrangements of the partsand method stages which have been described and illustrated in order toexplain the nature of the inventive subject matter can be made withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matteras expressed in the subjoined claims. For example, the order of methodsteps or stages can be altered from that described above, as would beappreciated by a person of skill in the art.

It will also be appreciated that the various dependent claims, examples,and the features set forth therein can be combined in different waysthan presented above and/or in the initial claims. For instance, anyfeature(s) from the above examples can be shared with others of thedescribed examples, and/or a feature(s) from a particular dependentclaim may be shared with another dependent or independent claim, incombinations that would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

1.-13. (canceled)
 14. A dental modeling system comprising: a pluralityof implant analogs, each of the plurality of implant analogs having abody and a shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first projectionextending outwards from the shaft; a first dental model with a first ofthe plurality of implant analogs embedded therein, the first dentalmodel being formed using an additive manufacturing process; and a seconddental model with a second of the plurality of implant analogs embeddedtherein, the second dental model being composed of a flowable, curabledental modeling material, wherein the flowable, curable dental modelingmaterial surrounds the shaft of the second implant analog.
 15. Thedental modeling system of claim 14, wherein the first of the pluralityof implant analogs is press-fit into the first dental model.
 16. Thedental modeling system of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality ofimplant analogs further comprises an internal bore with a taperedsection and a threaded section, the threaded section being positionedapically of the tapered section.
 17. The dental modeling system of claim14, wherein the first projection of each of the plurality of implantanalogs has a tapered surface, and the tapered surface of the firstprojection of the first implant analog is engaged with the first dentalmodel to establish an interference-fit with the first dental model. 18.The dental modeling system of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality ofimplant analogs further comprises a second projection extending outwardsfrom the shaft.
 19. The dental modeling system of claim 14, furthercomprising an insert with a bore that receives the first implant analog.20. The dental modeling system of claim 19, wherein the insert isdisposed inside of the first dental model.
 21. The dental modelingsystem of claim 16, wherein the tapered section is tapered by betweenabout 14-45 degrees.
 22. The dental modeling system of claim 16, whereinthe internal bore further comprises a polygon-shaped recess positionedbetween the tapered section and the threaded section.
 23. The dentalmodeling system of claim 16, wherein the first projection has a pair offlat sides and a pair of round sides that define the first projection.24. A dental modeling system comprising: a plurality of implant analogs,each of the plurality of implant analogs having a body and a shaft,wherein the shaft includes a first projection extending outwards fromthe shaft; a first dental model configured with a first insert sitehaving a first aperture configured to receive a first of the pluralityof implant analogs therein, the first dental model being formed using anadditive manufacturing process; and a second dental model configuredwith a second insert site composed of a flowable, curable dentalmodeling material, wherein the second insert site is configured toreceive a second of the plurality of implant analogs, and wherein theflowable, curable dental modeling material surrounds the shaft of thesecond implant analog.
 25. The dental modeling system of claim 24,wherein the first of the plurality of implant analogs is press-fit intothe first dental model when received by the first aperture.
 26. Thedental modeling system of claim 24, wherein each of the plurality ofimplant analogs further comprises an internal bore with a taperedsection and a threaded section, the threaded section being positionedapically of the tapered section.
 27. The dental modeling system of claim26, wherein the tapered section is tapered by between about 14-45degrees.
 28. The dental modeling system of claim 26, wherein theinternal bore further comprises a polygon-shaped recess positionedbetween the tapered section and the threaded section.
 29. The dentalmodeling system of claim 26, wherein the first projection has a pair offlat sides and a pair of round sides that define the first projection.30. The dental modeling system of claim 24, wherein the first projectionof each of the plurality of implant analogs has a tapered surface, andthe tapered surface of the first projection of the first implant analogis engaged with the first dental model to establish an interference-fitwith the first dental model.
 31. The dental modeling system of claim 24,wherein each of the plurality of implant analogs further comprises asecond projection extending outwards from the shaft.
 32. The dentalmodeling system of claim 24, further comprising an insert with a borethat receives the first implant analog.
 33. The dental modeling systemof claim 32, wherein the insert is disposed inside of the first dentalmodel,